Part 13

“Fortunately, the surgery went well. He didn’t sustain any major injuries, but he’ll need to wear a cast for about a month or so. We’ll plan for discharge in a few days after monitoring his condition.”

“Thank you.”

Seowoo thanked the doctor. Thankfully, Yongjae’s condition was better than she had feared.

Feeling relieved, Seowoo wiped her chest and sat down on the guardian chair. Yongjae hadn’t woken up from the anesthesia yet and was still sleeping.

“Sigh.”

A new sigh escaped Seowoo’s lips as she looked at Yongjae.

He was her only family. Although not related by blood, Yongjae meant more to her than a biological father.

He had fallen at the construction site just before finishing work, carrying a heavy load on his back, they said. As a result, his left arm was completely broken.

“It could have been really bad.”

Seowoo muttered, her voice trembling. Perhaps because of the hard work, his face was filled with wrinkles. Seeing him, who worked so hard to send her to college, her emotions surged.

‘Don’t cry, go in there.’

Thanks to Jiwook, who promptly drove her to Suwon, they arrived quickly. In her haste to get off, she hadn’t even had the chance to thank him. 

“Did he get home safely?”

Having had dinner and now feeling indebted.

Seowoo took out her phone from her bag and tapped his number saved in her contacts.

“…….”

After some contemplation, she slowly typed a message.

[I appreciate your help. I hope you arrived home safely…]

“Is it too formal?”

Seowoo paused for a moment as she looked at the text she had written.

This seems like the best option.

Deleting the message she had drafted, Seowoo began typing again.

[Dad’s surgery went well, I’m sorry I was too frazzled to say thank you for the ride. Thank you for taking me.]

After reading it once more, she pressed the send button.

Thankfully, she only had one tutoring session scheduled for tomorrow. It seemed like she could manage to be with Yongjae and head to the hospital in the afternoon.

As she mentally organized her schedule, her phone started vibrating in her hand.

Looking at the caller ID, her eyes widened in surprise.

“Hello.”

• You okay?

His deep voice ringing in her ears calmed her anxious heart. Seowoo closed her eyes slowly and let out a soft sigh.

“Yeah. I’m fine.”

• How is your father?

“The surgery went well, so I think he’ll be fine. Thank you. It’s all thanks to you.”

Despite everything, being able to confide in someone like this was a great comfort. 

It’s like a weight has been lifted off her shoulders that she’s always carried alone, even if just a little. 

• I’m glad. Don’t worry too much and rest.

“Yes. Did you get home safely?”

• Yeah. If anything comes up, feel free to contact me.

“…Okay.”

• Bye.

With that final word, Jiwook hung up. Feeling a bit disappointed by the short conversation, Seowoo held the phone to her ear for a while.

***

Life went on as usual.

She hadn’t heard from Jiwook since dinner that night.

He must be busy.

Not wanting to call first, Seowoo absentmindedly scrolled through the few messages he had sent, reading and rereading them until she practically memorized them. 

“Hey, Yoon Seowoo. Have you seen this?”

Yoonmi suddenly burst into her room. Seowoo looked up at Yoonmi in surprise.

“What is it?”

“Your picture from your part-time work was posted on a community site. Look at the number of views. It’s blowing up.” 

Yoonmi handed Seowoo her phone, her face flushed with excitement. The phone showed a high-definition photo of Seowoo working part-time at a café, showcasing her beauty. It looked like someone had taken it on purpose.

“Look at this. They’re calling you the goddess of H University. Seems like a lot of people started coming to the café just to see you.”

“Uh…”

Scrolling down, the number of comments seemed endless. Looking at herself in the photo, it seemed like it was taken just two days ago.

“Anyway, Yoon Seowoo, you have to acknowledge that you have a pretty face. You’re becoming quite famous.”

“Famous for what?”

Seowoo grimaced in embarrassment at Yoonmi’s words.

“You have no idea. Even people in my humanities group project are asking for your number.” 

With her innocent appearance, eyes that crinkle when she smiles, and flawless skin.

Seowoo rarely wore makeup, but her face was so radiant that it worked to her advantage. Moreover, her good personality added to Seowoo’s popularity.

“I knew it was coming. You’re not the kind of girl who should be working a part-time job like this.”

“Oh, well, then what am I supposed to do?”

Watching Yoonmi fuss over her, Seowoo forced a smile. 

She had no interest in such things. Her mind was solely focused on when Jiwook would contact her.

‘I’ll look forward to the coffee.’

Since I said I would buy coffee, maybe I should contact him first. 

Maybe it wouldn’t be too awkward if I also thanked him for the ride.

Seowoo fidgeted with her phone, trying to find a reason to message him.

“Huh?”

At that moment, as if reading her mind, the familiar eleven-digit number appeared on the screen.

“Who is it?”

“I’ll make a call and come back!”

“Hey! Yoon Seowoo!”

Seowoo quickly left with a smile on her face, holding her phone. It was a little awkward to answer the phone with Yoonmi by her side.

“Hello.”

She steadied her voice and opened her mouth carefully, holding the phone with both hands.

• What are you doing? Working part-time again today?

“Uh, no. Not today.”

Feeling embarrassed to say she was just at home with nothing to do, Seowoo replied evasively.

• Well how about the coffee you promised last time? How about today?”

“What?”

• I’ll buy us a meal.

Her heart started racing at his casual suggestion to meet up. A smile spread across Seowoo’s face as she held her phone.

• Do you not want to?

“Oh, no!”

Since she didn’t immediately answer, he must have thought she didn’t want to meet. Seowoo immediately denied it and waved her right hand in the air.

• I’ll call you when I’m near the school. Get ready and come out.

“…Okay.”

After the short call ended, Seowoo struggled to pull down the corner of her mouth that kept twitching. Her face felt hot for some reason. She hurried back into the house to get ready.